Meet Our Wish Kids

The Bravest City in the World Meets the Bravest Boy

Since he was 5 years old, Cole has had only one wish: to become a New York City firefighter. Standing at full attention and proudly dressed in
firefighter gear from head to toe, Cole, now age seven, was sworn in as an Honorary Blaze Battler by Nicholas Scopetta, Fire Commissioner. With his left hand carefully placed on the Bible and his right hand held high and proud over his head, Cole said, “I will faithfully discharge the duties of this rank.”

Cole was diagnosed with leukemia one week before September 11 and has been in remission since a month after the tragic attacks. According to Cole’s mother, Cassandra, “His prognosis is wonderful. Watching the World Trade Center towers crumble onto the ground in devastation and his heroes in action, Cole knew what he wanted to do for the rest of his life and never second-guessed it.”

As an Honorary Blaze Battler, Cole spent most of his time at Ladder 176 in New York City, and Engine Company 233 in Bedford Stuyvesant. Cole was on top of the world; he knew it, everyone around him knew it, and there wasn’t a soul in the world who could bring him down. It was a priceless moment in time that will live forever in Cole’s heart.